Blastomycosis Infection

Blastomycosis, also called Gilchrist's Disease, is a rare fungal infection contracted from organic soils and wood. It initially infects the lungs, but can spread to the skin and other organs in serious cases. While most people who contract the disease get well in a few weeks, it can be more serious for people with other conditions that weaken their immune systems. Prescription anti-fungal medications are effective in treating blastomycosis in most patients.

Cause and Extent of Blastomycosis

• The fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis causes blastomycosis when it is inhaled. Organic soils and decaying wood are hosts to the fungus, so gardeners and other people who spend time outdoors are among the most likely victims of the disease. Blastomycosis is rare, but it can be serious and life-threatening in people with pre-existing conditions that weaken their natural defenses. The disease has infected people in the midwestern and southcentral United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Israel, India and parts of Africa.

Symptoms

• Some people who contract blastomycosis remain symptom-free as long as the infection remains confined to the lungs. Others will experience symptoms similar to seasonal influenza, including chest pain, coughing, muscle and joint pain, fever, fatigue and shortness of breath. If the infection spreads beyond the lungs, other organs that can be affected include the kidneys, liver, brain, skin, prostate and testicles. Skin lesions caused by blastomycosis look like ulcers or warts.

Diagnosis

• Blastomycosis infections are more common in men than in women. Because blastomycosis can have symptoms that mimic other diseases, accurate diagnosis requires laboratory testing. People who experience symptoms consistent with blastomycosis, particularly those who spend time outdoors around rotting vegetation and wood, should see their doctors to determine if testing for the infection is warranted. Tests for blastomycosis can include chest x-rays, biopsies of skin and other affected tissues, and microscopic sputum examination.

Risk Factors

• Working around exposed soil and rotting vegetation during the growing season is the biggest risk factor for contracting blastomycosis. Avoiding these conditions will reduce the risk of infection. Dogs frequently contract the disease, but it is not communicable between people or between people and animals. Conditions that compromise the immune system, such as organ transplants, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes or HIV may make blastomycosis more serious.

Treatment

• Many patients do not need medications to treat blastomycosis that is confined to the lungs, but if it spreads to other organs leaving it untreated can result in serious complications or death. The infection responds to anti-fungal medications, including fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and amphotericin B. Symptoms can manifest themselves soon after infection or they can take several months to appear, so blastomycosis can be diagnosed during any season. Anyone who has symptoms that may indicate a blastomycosis infection should seek medical advice and treatment.